- Paul Gallen questioned direction of the Perth Bears
Channel Nine star James Bracey found himself embroiled in a fiery clash with Paul Gallen after the footy legend declared the Perth Bears ‘have done nothing’ when it comes to self-promotion.
Bracey, who hosts 100% Footy on the free-to-air network, is also a board member of the Perth Bears, who will enter the NRL competition in 2027.
Coached by Mal Meninga, there are fears the franchise won’t be competitive, with Perth still to sign a marquee player.
It is in stark contrast to the ambitious PNG Chiefs, who last week secured the services of Wests Tigers playmaker Jarome Luai on a multi-year deal ahead of the 2028 NRL season.
Tax-free benefits in Port Moresby, notably contracts and third party deals, will see the Chiefs likely form an imposing squad from the outset – but the Bears haven’t been given similar concessions.
Ahead of their inaugural pre-season beginning in November, Perth’s best signings are Melbourne Storm utility Tyran Wishart and Panthers veteran Scott Sorensen.
Channel Nine star James Bracey found himself embroiled in a fiery clash with Paul Gallen after the footy legend declared the Perth Bears ‘have done nothing’ when it comes to promotion
Gallen wants to see the Perth Bears more proactive in the media ahead of entering the NRL competition next year
The PNG Chiefs have already landed the signature of Wests Tigers playmaker Jarome Luai on a multi-year deal ahead of the 2028 NRL season
‘My question is… which one of those blokes have you had on the TV? Jarome Luai was all over (the media),’ Gallen said on Monday.
‘The Bears need to do something. Go and take them out on a beach over there, show them how good Perth is.
‘Show something good about Perth, you’ve done nothing.’
Bracey, who was visibly stunned by Gallen’s comments, pointed out many of the players who will turn out for the Perth Bears can’t help promote the club as they are currently contracted elsewhere.
‘Perth is not in another country, we all know WA is amazing,’ he said.
‘At the moment, when you’re a new club starting and you can’t play yet, the coach – Mal Meninga is an icon of our game – is your only selling point.
‘So you’ve got no way of marketing yourself, we’re just going off history at the moment.’
The studio audience appeared to be firmly on Bracey’s side during the stoush as they clapped and cheered while he tried to shoot down Gallen’s arguments.
Canterbury Bulldogs football boss Phil Gould was seen smirking as the exchange unfolded before offering some advice to Bracey.
‘You’ve just had your first lesson in club management,’ he said. ‘Don’t argue with the media. Just let it go, let it go.’
